Washing machine

ABSTRACT

A washing machine is disclosed, to minimize power loss when transmitting power generated in a motor to a washing shaft. The washing machine includes an outer tub provided in a cabinet and storing washing water therein; an inner tub rotatably provided in the outer tub and receiving laundry therein; an agitation device rotatably provided in the inner tub and agitating the laundry and washing water, an outer rotor type motor for rotating the agitation device and the inner tub; a power transmission device connected between the motor/agitation device and the inner tub to have the same rotation axis in the motor, the agitation device and the inner tub, and transmitting power of the motor to the agitation device and the inner tub according to an operation mode; and a drain device for draining the washing water from the outer tub to the external.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a washing machine, and moreparticularly, to a washing machine driven by an outer rotor type motorand having a power transmission device for transmitting power of themotor to an inner tub receiving laundry therein and an agitation devicefor agitating the laundry.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, a washing machine is an apparatus performing washing,rinsing and dehydrating strokes so as to eliminate contaminant fromlaundry such as clothes by interaction of detergent and washing water.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a general pulsator-typewashing machine. Referring to FIG. 1, an outer tub 2 a for storingwashing water therein is provided in a cabinet 1 forming the exterior ofthe general pulsator-type washing machine, the outer tub 2 a supportedby a damper 15. Then, an inner tub 2 b is rotatably provided in theouter tub 2 a.

In this state, a plurality of holes (not shown) are provided on the wallof the inner tub 2 b so that the washing water passes through the holesbetween the inner tub 2 b and the outer tub 2 a. Also, a pulsator 35 isrotatably provided at a lower central portion of the inner tub 2 b.Meanwhile, one end of a drain hose 50 is connected with the outer tub 2a, and the other end is connected with the outside of the cabinet 1. Atthis time, a drain valve (not shown) is provided at the center of thedrain hose 50.

Then, a dehydrating shaft 41 is connected with the inner tub 2 b, and awashing shaft 42 is provided at the pulsator 35 to penetrate thedehydrating shaft 41 and the inner tub 2 b. Also, the washing shaft 42is mechanically connected with the dehydrating shaft 41 by using aclutch assembly 40 provided at a lower part of the outer tub 2 a.Meanwhile, a motor 3 for generating the power is provided at apredetermined interval with the clutch assembly 40 at the lower part ofthe outer tub 2 a. At this time, the motor 3 is connected with a lowerend of the washing shaft 41 by a belt 5.

In the general pulsator-type washing machine having the aforementionedstructure, when the motor 3 is operated, rotation power is transmittedto the washing shaft 42 by the belt 5. In this case, if the clutchassembly 40 separates the washing shaft 42 from the dehydrating shaft41, only pulsator 35 rotates. According to this, the washing machineperforms the washing or rinsing stroke by using water current andfrictional force generated with rotation of the pulsator 35. Meanwhile,if the clutch assembly 40 connects the washing shaft 42 with thedehydrating shaft 41, the pulsator 35 rotates with the inner tub 2 b.Accordingly, the washing machine performs the dehydrating stroke foreliminating moisture from the laundry.

However, the general pulsator-type washing machine of the aforementionedstructure has the following disadvantages.

As mentioned above, the general pulsator-type washing machine has thestructure for indirectly transmitting the rotation power of motor to thewashing shaft by the belt, thereby causing great power loss by the slipand friction of the belt.

In the general pulsator-type washing machine, it is required to providethe belt with great tensile force so as to prevent the belt fromslipping when transmitting the power of motor. In this case, since thebelt pulls the lower end of the washing shaft with great force, so thatthe inner tub and the outer tub may be leaned in the cabinet.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine tominimize power loss when transmitting power generated in a motor to awashing shaft.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machinehaving an improved structure so as to prevent an inner tub and an outertub from being leaned even if a washing machine is used for a long timein a state of providing a motor and a power transmission device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machinehaving an improved structure of a motor so as to lower a height ofwashing machine for improving a user's convenience.

The object of the present invention can be achieved by providing awashing machine comprising an outer tub provided in a cabinet andstoring washing water therein; an inner tub rotatably provided in theouter tub and receiving laundry therein; an agitation device rotatablyprovided in the inner tub and agitating the laundry and washing water;an outer rotor type motor for rotating the agitation device and theinner tub; a power transmission device connected between themotor/agitation device and the inner tub to have the same rotation axisin the motor, the agitation device and the inner tub, and transmittingpower of the motor to the agitation device and the inner tub accordingto an operation mode; and a drain device for draining the washing waterfrom the outer tub to the external.

At this time, the motor is an induction motor, and the induction motorincludes a rotor assembly being directly connected with and rotated bythe power transmission device; and a stator assembly provided inside therotor assembly and generating a rotary magnetic field by an alternatingcurrent so as to rotate the rotor assembly with the rotary magneticfield.

Also, the rotor assembly includes a rotor frame being directly connectedwith the power transmission device at a lower central part thereof; anda rotor fixed to the inside of the rotor frame.

The rotor includes a rotor core formed by depositing a plurality of ironsheets each having a plurality of holes; a metal bar penetrating thehole of the rotor core and interlinking a magnetic flux; and upper andlower end rings covering upper and lower parts of the rotor core bybeing respectively connected with both ends of the metal bar.

The rotor frame includes a rotor bushing provided at the rotation axisof the induction motor and connected with the power transmission deviceso as to rotate the agitation device; and a bushing shaft selectivelyconnected with the power transmission device so as to selectively rotatethe inner tub.

The rotor frame includes a rotor supporter provided therein so as tosupport a lower end of the rotor.

The rotor supporter includes a step formed along the innercircumferential surface thereof so as to support the lower end of therotor.

The rotor frame includes an upper fixation part projecting from thesidewall thereof so as to fix an upper end of the rotor for preventingthe rotor from being separated.

The stator assembly includes a core part having a plurality of ironsheets and poles being formed in one body on the outer circumferentialsurface of the iron sheets; a coil part wound on the poles; and aninsulator provided to prevent a contact between the core part and thecoil part.

The insulator includes upper and lower insulators provided at upper andlower parts of the core part to prevent the contact between the pole andcoil; and an inner insulator provided between the poles, so as toprevent the contact between the core part and the coil part.

The power transmission device includes a washing shaft transmittingrotation power to the agitation device; a dehydrating shaft transmittingrotation power to the inner tub; and a clutch assembly selectivelyconnecting the dehydrating shaft with the motor.

The washing shaft includes an upper washing shaft connected with theagitation device; and a lower washing shaft having a lower end connectedwith the motor, and an upper part connected with the upper washing shaftby a gear set.

The washing shaft is rotatably provided inside the dehydrating shaft.Also, the gear set includes a sun gear fixed to the upper part of thelower washing shaft and being coaxial-rotated; a ring gear formed on theinner circumferential surface of the dehydrating shaft; and a planetgear provided between the ring gear and the sun gear and having arotation axis connected eccentrically to the upper washing shaft.

The dehydrating shaft includes a drum having an upper end connected withthe inner tub, a lower end provided at a predetermined interval from themotor, and a predetermined portion of a central part at which the ringgear as the planet gear is provided.

The clutch assembly includes a sliding coupler moving up and down alonga longitudinal direction of the dehydrating shaft so as to selectivelyconnect the dehydrating shaft with the motor; and an elevating devicemoving the sliding coupler up and down.

The sliding coupler is connected to the dehydrating shaft, and the motorwith serration.

The elevating device includes a clutch lever having one end connectedwith the sliding coupler, and one central portion hinged on an hingeaxis; and a clutch motor moving the sliding coupler up and down in amethod of rotating the clutch lever on the hinge axis by pulling orpushing the other end of the clutch lever.

The elevating device includes a connection link having elasticitybetween the other end of the clutch lever and the clutch motor.

The clutch assembly includes a stopper for controlling an elevatingheight of the sliding coupler.

At this time, a hollow is provided at any one of the stopper and thesliding coupler, and a projection is provided at the other so as toprevent rotation of the sliding coupler when the connection of thesliding coupler and the motor is released.

Furthermore, a brake assembly is provided for brake of rotation of thedehydrating shaft.

The brake assembly includes a brake pad for fixing the dehydrating shaftby applying friction to the outer circumferential surface of thedehydrating shaft.

The brake assembly includes a brake pad provided on the outercircumferential surface of the dehydrating shaft; a brake lever havingone end connected with the brake pad, and a predetermined portion of acentral part thereof hinged on the hinge axis; and a driving motorbraking the dehydrating shaft or releasing the brake of dehydratingshaft by pulling or pushing the other end of the brake lever.

The drain device includes a drain passage being in communication withthe external of a cabinet from the outer tub; a drain valve opening orclosing the drain passage; and an operation motor opening or closing thedrain passage by pulling or pushing the drain valve.

The operation motor operates the brake assembly and the drain valve atthe same time.

The operation motor includes a first step mode for controlling therotation of the inner tub; and a second step mode for opening or closingthe drain valve in a state of releasing the brake of inner tub.

The drain valve includes a packing provided to close the drain passage;a second rod connected with the packing; and a first rod being moved ata predetermined distance not to move the second rod when the drivingmotor is operated in the first step mode, and connected with the firstrod so as to open the drain passage by the packing in a method of beingcaught to the second rod and moved with the second rod when the drivingmotor is operated in the second step mode.

The first rod is inserted toward the axis direction inside the secondrod by sliding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention, illustrate embodiment(s) of theinvention and together with the description serve to explain theprinciple of the invention. In the drawings;

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a generalwashing machine;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a washing machineaccording to one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an outer rotor type motorand a power transmission device provided in a washing machine accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a disassembled perspective view illustrating a stator assemblyof a motor of FIG. 3 according to one preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a disassembled perspective view illustrating a rotor assemblyapplied to a motor of FIG. 3 according to one preferred embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a drain device and a brakeassembly provided in a washing machine according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drain device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C illustrate connection of components at a first modefor rotating only pulsator in a washing machine according to the presentinvention, wherein,

FIG. 8A is a partially cross-sectional view illustrating positions of amotor, a power transmission device and a clutch assembly at the firstmode,

FIG. 8B is a perspective view illustrating positions of a clutch lever,a sliding coupler, and a stopper in the clutch assembly at the firstmode, and

FIG. 8C is a state view illustrating rotation status of a gear setprovided inside the power transmission device at the first mode;

FIG. 9A to FIG. 9C illustrate connection of components at a second modefor rotating a pulsator and an inner tub at the different direction in awashing machine according to the present invention, wherein,

FIG. 9A is a partially cross-sectional view illustrating positions of amotor, a power transmission device and a clutch assembly at the secondmode,

FIG. 9B is a perspective view illustrating positions of a clutch lever,a sliding coupler, and a stopper in the clutch assembly at the secondmode, and

FIG. 9C is a state view illustrating rotation status of a gear setprovided inside the power transmission device at the second mode; and

FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C illustrate connection of components at a third modefor rotating a pulsator and an inner tub at the same direction in awashing machine according to the present invention, wherein,

FIG. 10A is a partially cross-sectional view illustrating positions of amotor, a power transmission device and a clutch assembly at the thirdmode,

FIG. 10B is a perspective view illustrating positions of a clutch lever,a sliding coupler, and a stopper in the clutch assembly at the thirdmode, and

FIG. 10C is a state view illustrating rotation status of a gear setprovided inside the power transmission device at the third mode.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. In describing the embodiments, same parts will be given thesame names and reference symbols, and repetitive description of whichwill be omitted.

Hereinafter, a washing machine according to the present invention willbe described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, an outer tub 21 for storing washingwater therein is provided in a cabinet 10 for forming the exterior ofthe washing machine according to the present invention. Then, an innertub 22 is rotatably provided in the outer tub 21, and a plurality ofholes (not shown) are provided on the wall of the inner tub 22. Also, anagitation device is rotatably provided in the inner tub 22 so as toagitate washing water and laundry. In this case, the inner tub 22 andthe agitation device 30 are rotated with an outer rotor type motorprovided at a lower part of the outer tub 21.

As shown in FIG. 2, the agitation device 30 may be formed of a pulsatorhaving at least one projecting blade, however, it is not limited tothis. Although not shown, the agitation device 30 may be formed of arod-shaped agitator being projected toward the inside of the inner tub22. In this case, it is preferable to provide the agitator having atleast one blade on the outer circumferential surface thereof.Accordingly, the agitation device 30 is not limited to the structureshown in FIG. 2. That is, the agitation device 30 may have any structuresuitable for being rotated in the inner tub 22 so as to generate watercurrent.

In the washing machine according to the present invention, the motor isconnected with the inner tub 22 and the agitation device 30 by a powertransmission device. At this time, the motor and the power transmissiondevice are directly connected to each other so as to have the samerotation axis.

When the direct connect of the power transmission device and the motor,if a related art inner rotor type motor is simply fabricated at a lowerend of a related art power transmission device, a height of washingmachine is increased at a degree corresponding to the rotor. Especially,in case of a top loading type washing machine where an inlet for laundryis provided on the top of cabinet, it is very uncomfortable for a userto put the laundry to the inside of the cabinet through the inlet, andtake out the laundry therefrom.

In order to solve these problems, as shown in FIG. 2, the outer rotortype motor, especially, an induction motor is provided to rotate theinner tub 22 and the agitation device 30. That is, some components ofthe power transmission device are received in a space formed inside therotor forming the outer rotor type motor, thereby lowering the totalheight. The induction motor generates rotation power by using rotarymagnetic field generated by an alternating current.

In the washing machine having the power transmission device beingdirectly connected with the driving motor according to the presentinvention, the power transmission device includes a clutch assembly forselectively transmitting the power of motor to the inner tub 22, wherebythe inner tub 22 is selectively rotated at need. Also, some componentsof drain device for draining the washing water stored in the outer tub21 and brake assembly for controlling rotation of the inner tub 22 areorganically provided to be operated as one driving motor.

Hereinafter, the motor, the power transmission device, and the draindevice will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The outer rotor type motor includes a rotor assembly 500 being rotatedin a state of being directly connected with the power transmissiondevice, and a stator assembly 400 provided inside the rotor assembly togenerate the rotary magnetic field by the alternating current so as tobe rotated at normal and reverse directions.

Referring to FIG. 4, the stator assembly 400 includes a core part 420, acoil part 440, and insulators 460, 460 a, 460 b and 460 c. At this time,the core part 420 has a plurality of iron sheets and poles being formedin one body on the outer circumferential surface of the iron sheets.Then, the coil part 440 is wound on the pole 425 formed on the outercircumferential surface of the core part 420, and the insulators areprovided to prevent a contact between the core part 420 and the coilpart 440.

The core part 420 is formed in a method of depositing the plurality ofdoughnut-shaped iron sheets having the hollow, and the pole 426 isformed as a projection formed on the outer circumferential surface ofthe core part 420. Also, a coil for forming the coil part 440 is woundon the pole 426. After that, the upper and lower insulators 460 a and460 b are provided at upper and lower parts of the core part 420,thereby preventing the contact between the pole 426 and the coil part440. Then, the inner insulator 460 c of synthetic resin film is insertedto the space between the poles 426, so as to prevent the contact betweenthe core part 420 and the coil part 440.

Furthermore, a plurality of connection parts 422 projected inwardly areprovided at the center of the core part 420, and a plurality ofconnection holes 424 are provided in the connection parts 422, for ascrew connection of the stator assembly 400 and the clutch assembly 300.Also, a three-phase terminal for providing the power is provided at oneside of the coil part 440 so that the rotary magnetic field is generatedby the alternating current.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the rotor assembly 500 includes a rotor frame530 for forming the exterior of the rotor assembly 500 and beingdirectly connected with the power transmission device at a lower centralpart thereof, and a rotor 510 fixed to the inside of the rotor frame 530and forming a closed circuit.

The rotor 510 includes a rotor core 512 formed by depositing a pluralityof iron sheets each having a plurality of holes 513, a metal bar 512penetrating the hole 513 of the rotor core 512 and interlinking amagnetic flux, and upper and lower end rings 516 and 518 covering upperand lower sides of the rotor core 512 and respectively connected withupper and lower ends of the metal bar 512 to form a second closedcircuit.

The rotor frame 530 including a sidewall 532 and a base 534 is formed ina cylindrical shape having an open top, and the rotor 510 is forciblyinserted and fixed to the inside of the rotor frame 530. Then, forrotation of the agitation device, a connection hole 536 is provided atthe center of the base 534, and a rotor bushing 534 a directly connectedwith the power transmission device is inserted to and connected with theconnection hole 536. After that, a rotor bushing shaft 534 b is providedat an upper part of the rotor bushing 534 a. For rotation of the innertub, the rotor bushing shaft 534 b has serration on the outercircumferential surface thereof, whereby the rotor bushing shaft 534 bis selectively connected with a sliding coupler 650.

Also, the rotor bushing 534 a has the hollow at the center thereof in anaxis direction, and an internal serration is provided at the center ofthe rotor bushing 534 a in an axis direction. In this state, theinternal serration is engaged with an external serration provided on anouter circumferential surface of a lower end of a lower washing shaft240 in the power transmission device with serration.

In addition, a step 539 is formed on the inner circumferential surfaceof the lower sidewall of the rotor frame 530 since the lower sidewall ofthe rotor frame 530 has a smaller diameter than that of the uppersidewall. When the rotor 510 is forcibly inserted into the rotor frame530, the step 539 serves as a supporter of the rotor 510 for supportingthe lower end of the rotor 510. At this time, it is possible to providethe supporter of the rotor having various structures instead of the step539 at the rotor frame, for example, a projecting rib. Preferably, therotor frame includes an upper end fixation part 538 being projected fromthe sidewall 532 of the rotor 510 so as to support and fix the upper endof the rotor 510.

Next, the power transmission device of the washing machine according tothe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 3, the power transmission device includes a washingshaft 200 connected with the agitation device by penetrating the outertub 21 and the inner tub 22 to transmit the rotation power of motor tothe agitation device, a dehydrating shaft 100 connected with the innertub to transmit the rotation power of motor, and the clutch assemblyselectively rotating the inner tub.

The washing shaft 200 includes upper and lower washing shafts 210 and240, in which the upper end of the upper washing shaft 210 is connectedwith the agitation device 30, and the lower end of the lower washingshaft 240 is connected with and fixed to the driving motor, and moreparticularly, to the rotor bushing 534 a connected with the base of therotor assembly 500.

Also, the dehydrating shaft 100 includes upper and lower dehydratingshafts 120 and 140. At this time, the upper end of the upper dehydratingshaft 120 is connected with the inner tub 22, and the lower end of thelower dehydrating shaft 140 is connected with the driving motor, andmore particularly, at a predetermined interval from the upper part ofthe base of the rotor assembly 500.

For connection of the upper dehydrating shaft 120 and the inner tub 22,the upper dehydrating shaft 120 forms a polygonal connection part (notshown), for example, an octagonal connection part at the upper end beingconnected with the inner tub, and forms a connection hole (not shown)having the shape corresponding to the connection part for beingconnected with the connection part at the lower part of the inner tub.In this structure, if the connection part is inserted and fixed to theconnection hole, the dehydrating shaft 100 transmits the rotation powerof the motor 400, 500 to the inner tub 22 without sliding.

The lower dehydrating shaft 140 forms the serration for connection withthe sliding coupler 650 of the clutch assembly on the outercircumferential surface of the lower end thereof. Also, the lowerdehydrating shaft 140 may be formed in one body with the upperdehydrating shaft 120. However, it is preferable to form the lowerdehydrating shaft 140 and the upper dehydrating shaft 120 separately,and to fix the lower and upper dehydrating shafts 140 and 120 by forcefit and connection means (not shown) such as screw.

The washing shaft 200 is inserted to the dehydrating shaft 100 at theaxis direction. Also, a bearing for supporting the washing shaft 200 isinserted between the washing shaft 200 and the dehydrating shaft 100 sothat the washing shaft 200 is rotated in vertical to the lower surfaceof the inner tub. According to one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, an oilless bearing 180 is provided between the washing shaft200 and the dehydrating shaft 100, especially, between the upper washingshaft 210 and the upper dehydrating shaft 120.

In case of that heat is generated by friction, the oilless bearing 180provides oil to an external portion having the friction. Accordingly, ifthe heat is generated by friction with the upper washing shaft 120 asthe upper washing shaft 210 rotates, the frictional portion islubricated with the oil provided from the oilless bearing 180. Thus, thewashing shaft 200 is rotated smoothly. Also, an extension part 211 isprojected from the outer circumferential surface of the upper washingshaft 210 so as to prevent the washing shaft 200 from sliding downward,so that the extension part 211 is put on the oilless bearing 180.

Furthermore, the aforementioned power transmission device includes agear set for connection of the upper washing shaft 210 and the lowerwashing shaft 240. According to one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the gear set includes a sun gear 242 fixed to the upper partof the lower washing shaft and being coaxial-rotated, a ring gear formedon the inner circumferential surface of the dehydrating shaft, and aplanet gear 220 provided between the ring gear and the sun gear andhaving a rotation axis 222 connected eccentrically to the upper washingshaft. At this time, at least one planet gear 200 is provided. However,it is preferable to provide three or more planet gears 220 so as toprevent damages by overload. Also, the rotation axis 222 of the planetgear 220 may be provided in one body with the lower end of the upperwashing shaft 210, or provided separately so that the upper and lowerends of the rotation axis 222 are connected with a fixed carrier 230 forbeing eccentric to the rotation axis of the upper washing shaft 210.

Preferably, if the separate carrier 230 is fixed to the upper washingshaft 210, a polygonal-shaped projection (not shown) such as octagonalshape is provided at any one of the lower end of the upper washing shaft210 and the upper end of the carrier 230, and an insertion hole (notshown) having the shape corresponding to the projection is provided atthe other.

The planet gear 220 provided between the washing shaft 200 and thedehydrating shaft 100 simultaneously performs revolution and rotation,and connects the ring gear (not shown) with the sun gear 242. By theaforementioned planet gear, the washing shaft 200 is rotated at anopposite direction to the dehydrating shaft 100, or at the samedirection as the dehydrating shaft 100, thereby washing laundry.

Meanwhile, the clutch assembly for selectively connecting the motor withthe dehydrating shaft 100 includes a clutch housing 300 for receivingthe dehydrating shaft to which the washing shaft is inserted, a slidingcoupler 650 connected with the lower part of the lower dehydrating shaft140 and selectively connecting the motor with the dehydrating shaft 100by elevating at the longitudinal direction of the dehydrating shaft 100,and an elevating device 600 for elevating the sliding coupler 650.

Referring to FIG. 3, the clutch housing 300 includes an upper housing300 a for supporting the dehydrating shaft 100 to be rotated,simultaneously, fixing other components, and a lower housing 300 bcoupled with the upper housing 300 a by screw. Then, an upper bearing330 is provided between the upper dehydrating shaft 120 and the upperhousing 300 a, and a lower bearing 340 is provided between the lowerdehydrating shaft 140 and the lower housing 300 b. The upper and lowerbearings support the dehydrating shaft 100 so that the dehydrating shaft100 is stably rotated. Also, the aforementioned clutch housing 30 isstably fixed to a bracket (not shown) fixed to the inside of the cabinet10 in the washing machine.

The sliding coupler 650 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollowtherein, the hollow forming an internal gear therein, so that the lowerend of the lower dehydrating shaft 140 is inserted to and connected withthe sliding coupler 650. Also, a discus-shaped flange having a flatupper surface is provided at an upper end of the cylindrical-shapedsliding coupler 650.

Then, as the sliding coupler 650 moves up and down, the serration formedat the lower end of the lower dehydrating shaft 140 is connected to thehollow of the sliding coupler 650 with serration, so that the slidingcoupler 650 is selectively connected or separated from the motor,especially, the rotor bushing shaft 534 b. Thus, the rotation power ofthe motor 400, 500 is selectively transmitted to the dehydrating shaft100.

In a state of that the inner circumferential surface of the slidingcoupler 650 is connected to the lower dehydrating shaft 140 withserration, the lower dehydrating shaft 140 is elevated at thelongitudinal direction. Also, the sliding coupler 650 is selectivelyconnected to the rotor bushing shaft 534 b with serration, whereby therotation power of the rotor assembly 500 is selectively transmitted tothe lower dehydrating shaft 140.

For example, when the sliding coupler 650 is moved downward, the upperpart of the sliding coupler 650 is connected to the lower dehydratingshaft 140 with serration, and the lower part of the sliding coupler 650is connected to the rotor bushing shaft 534 b with serration. Thus, therotation power of the rotor assembly 500 is transmitted to the lowerdehydrating shaft 140. On the contrary, when the sliding coupler 650 ismoved upward, the connection of the sliding coupler 650 and the rotorbushing shaft 534 b is released, whereby the rotation power of the rotorassembly 500 is not transmitted to the lower dehydrating shaft 140.Accordingly, the sliding coupler 650 selectively transmits the rotationpower of the rotor assembly 500 to the inner tub 22 connected with thedehydrating shaft 100.

As shown in FIG. 3, the elevating device 600 includes a clutch lever 640and a clutch driving motor 620. At this time, the clutch lever 640 hasone end connected with the sliding coupler 650, and a central portionhinged on a hinge axis 660 c, whereby the sliding coupler 650 is movedupward in case the clutch driving motor 620 pushes and pulls the otherend of the clutch lever 640. For example, in the washing machineaccording to the present invention, the clutch lever is provided in abent structure of “L”-shaped form.

Also, a horizontal part 640 b of the clutch lever 640 supports the lowerpart of the sliding coupler 650, and a vertical part 640 a is connectedwith the clutch motor 400, 500. Then, the hinge axis 660 c is providedat a bent portion crossing the horizontal part 640 b and the verticalpart 640 a. Accordingly, if the clutch motor 400, 500 pulls the verticalpart 640 a, the clutch lever 640 rotates on the hinge axis 660 c,whereby the horizontal part 640 b elevates the sliding coupler 650.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 8, the horizontal part 640 b of the clutchlever 640 has an end portion divided into two parts, and the horizontalpart 640 b is connected to the lower part of the sliding coupler 650.Preferably, the upper end of the vertical part 640 a of the clutch lever640 is connected to a connection link 630 provided in the clutch drivingmotor and having elasticity for transmitting the power. At this time,the connection link 630 includes a motor connection part 630 a havingone side connected with the clutch driving motor, a lever connectionpart 630 b having one end rotatably connected with the upper end of thevertical part of the clutch lever 640, and an elastic connection part630 c having elasticity and connecting the motor connection part 630 awith the lever connection part 630 b. In this case, the elasticconnection part 630 c includes elastic means such as spring, therebypreventing excessive force applied to the clutch lever 640 by thedriving motor.

Furthermore, the clutch assembly includes a stopper 660 provided at theupper part of the sliding coupler 650 and fixed to the lower part of theclutch housing 300, so as to control the elevating height of the slidingcoupler 650, simultaneously, prevent the rotation of dehydrating shaft100. That is, the stopper 660 has a plurality of connection holes 660 afor connection with the clutch housing 300. In this state, the slidingcoupler 650 is elevated to a predetermined height. When the slidingcoupler 650 is connected with the stopper 660 after the sliding coupler650 is separated from the motor and elevated in the highest, the stopperfixes the sliding coupler 650 so as to prevent the rotation ofdehydrating shaft 100.

For this, the sliding coupler 650 may be fixed by frictional forcegenerated by contact of the upper surface of the sliding coupler and thelower surface of the stopper 660. In case of that a fixed projection(not shown) is formed at the upper part of the sliding coupler 650, anda fixed hole (not shown) is formed at the lower part of the stopper 660,it is possible to obtain more stable fixation. Also, it is possible toform the fixed projection at the stopper 660, and to form the fixed holeat the sliding coupler 650. Then, a guide part 660 b is provided at oneside of the stopper 660 to be connected with the clutch lever 640. Also,if the sliding coupler 650 is moved downward for being connected withthe motor to rotate the inner tub 22 at the same direction as theagitation device 30, it is preferable to provide elastic means 660 dsuch as spring for maintaining the connection of the sliding coupler 650and the motor.

An operation of the sliding coupler 650 by the elevating device 600 willbe described as follows.

First, if the clutch driving motor 400, 500 pulls the connection link,the horizontal part of the clutch lever 640 rotates upward on the hingeaxis 660 c, whereby the sliding coupler 650 is moved upward.Accordingly, the motor and the lower dehydrating shaft 140 are separatedfrom each other, so that the rotation power of the motor 400, 500 is nottransmitted to the dehydrating shaft 100. When the sliding coupler 650is elevated completely to be in contact with the stopper 660, itprevents the rotation of lower dehydrating shaft 140 since the slidingcoupler 650 is fixed, so that the inner tub 22 is fixed withoutrotation.

Next, if the clutch driving motor 620 pushes the connection link 630,the horizontal part of the clutch lever 640 rotates downward on thehinge axis 660 c, whereby the sliding coupler 650 is moved downward.Accordingly, the rotor assembly 500 and the lower dehydrating shaft 140are connected to each other, so that the rotation power of the motor istransmitted to the dehydrating shaft 100. Thus, the inner tub 22 isrotated at the same direction as the agitation device 30.

At this time, the spring 660 d of the stopper 660 prevents the slidingcoupler 650 from being elevated, so that it is possible to maintain theconnection of the motor and the lower dehydrating shaft 140. Inaddition, the washing machine further includes a brake assembly forcontrolling the rotation of dehydrating shaft, preferably.

Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, the brake assembly 700 includes a brakepad 780 for fixing the dehydrating shaft by applying friction to theouter circumferential surface of the dehydrating shaft, a brake lever720 having one end connected with the brake pad 780, and a driving motorconnected with the other end of the brake lever 720 so as to drive thebrake pad.

In the washing machine according to the present invention, the controlof the dehydrating shaft 100 by the brake assembly 700 is performed bycontrolling a central portion of the dehydrating shaft 100, and moreparticularly, a cylindrical-shaped drum 160 having the innercircumferential surface on which the ring gear is formed.

The brake lever 720 is provided to penetrate one side of the lowerhousing 300 b, and a predetermined portion of the central part thereofis hinged rotatably on the hinge axis 740 fixed to the clutch housing300. Also, according as the driving motor pushes or pulls the brakelever 720, brake or release of the dehydrating shaft 100 is carried out,thereby controlling the dehydrating shaft 100.

Next, a torsion spring 760 is provided at the hinge axis 740 of thebrake lever 720, whereby the brake lever 720 has the elasticity. In thisrespect, if the power of the driving motor is removed, the torsionspring moves the brake lever to an original position. Also, the brakepad 780 is rotatably hinged on an additional hinge axis 790, whereby thebrake pad is moved in two stages according to the rotation of brakelever 720.

In the washing machine according to the present invention, the brake pad780 is provided in a belt-shaped form wound on the outer circumferentialsurface of the drum 160. That is, when the brake lever 720 rotates topull the brake pad 780, the brake pad 780 is in contact with the outercircumferential surface of the drum 160 for the brake of the dehydratingshaft 100. Meanwhile, if the brake lever 720 is rotated at the reversedirection, the contact of the brake pad 780 and the drum 160 isreleased, whereby the brake of the dehydrating shaft 100 is released. Atthis time, it is possible to provide the brake pad in a block form. Thatis, the brake pad may be formed in any form for applying the frictionalforce to the dehydrating shaft. Preferably, the brake pad is formed ofgreat abrasion-resistant material. Also, the brake assembly 700 isgenerally used in a case for rotating only the washing shaft 200 duringa washing stroke, or in a case for braking the dehydrating shaft 100momentarily during a dehydrating stroke.

Meanwhile, a drain device for draining the washing water stored in theouter tub 21 to the external is provided at one side of the lower partof the outer tub 21. Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the draindevice includes a drain passage 65, 66 communicating the external of thecabinet with the outer tub, a drain valve 64 for opening or closing thedrain passage, and a valve operation motor 761 for changing the drainpassage by pushing or pulling the drain valve 64.

The drain passage is comprised of a connection hose 65 connected withthe outer tub, and a drain hose 66 having one end connected with theconnection hose 65 and being communicated with the external, and beingopened or closed by the drain valve 64.

The driving motor 400, 500 is operated according to a first step modefor controlling the rotation of the inner tub, and a second step modefor opening or closing the drain valve 64 in a state of releasing thebrake of the inner tub 22.

The drain valve 64 includes a bellows-type packing 76 provided to closethe drain passage, a second rod 78 connected with the packing 76, and afirst rod 77 connected with the second rod 78. At this time, the firstrod 77 is moved at a predetermined distance not to move the second rod78 when the driving motor is operated in the first step mode. Meanwhile,when the driving motor is operated in the second step mode, the firstrod 77 is caught in the second rod 78 and moved with the second rod 78.In this method, the first rod 77 is connected with the second rod 78 soas to open the drain passage by the packing 76.

At this time, one end of the first rod 77 is connected with the valveoperation motor 761, and is inserted into the second rod at the axisdirection by sliding, so that the drain passage, especially, the drainhose 66 is opened or closed. In this state, the first rod 77 iselastically supported with a first spring 79 inserted into the insidethereof, and the second rod 78 is elastically supported with a secondspring 80 provided on the outer circumferential surface thereof.

In more detail, the first spring 79, being inserted and fixed to theinside of the first rod 77, has one end caught and fixed to a hook 763of a valve lever 762 operated by the driving motor. Then, the first rod77 forms a step 81 having one side lower than the other on the outercircumferential surface thereof. The second rod 78 has the second spring80 and the packing 76 on the outer circumferential surface thereof.Also, on the inner circumferential surface of the second rod 78, a rib82 caught to the step 81 of the first rod is projected inwardly so thatthe rib 82 has one end, near to the valve lever 762, to be thicker thanthe other end thereof. When the valve lever 762 extending from thedriving motor 400, 500 and connected with the drain valve 64 is pushedor pulled by the driving motor 400, 500, the drain valve 64 is opened orclosed.

In the washing machine according to the present invention, the drivingmotor 400, 500 for opening and closing the drain valve can operate thebrake assembly simultaneously.

For this, the brake lever 720 provided in the brake assembly 700 has oneend connected with a lever projection 767 provided in the valve lever762. Thus, when the first rod 77 is moved in case the driving motorpushes or pulls the valve lever 762, the brake lever 720 issimultaneously pushed or pulled by the lever projection 767. In order toimprove fabrication efficiency, the valve lever 762 may be provided in amethod of connecting unit levers additionally fabricated. At this time,any one of the unit levers may have a “T”-shaped connection projection,and the other may have a receiver for the connection projection, therebyforming the valve lever 762.

The process for opening or closing the drain valve 64 will be describedin detail.

In case the valve operation motor 761 provided to the outer tub 21 ofthe automatic washing machine is operated in the first step mode whendraining the washing water stored in the outer tub 21 to the external,the valve lever 762 is moved at the predetermined distance D, wherebythe first spring is pulled. Thus, the first rod 77 is moved at thepredetermined distance. However, in case of the first step mode, thestep 81 of the first rod is not caught to the rib 82 of the second rod,so that it has no effect on the second rod 76. At this time, the leverprojection 767 pulls one end of the brake lever 720, whereby the brakepad 780 is separated from the drum, thereby releasing the brake of thedehydrating shaft 100. In the first step mode, the moving distance ofthe first rod 77 is determined within a range below a distance E betweenthe step 81 of the first rod 77 and the rib 82 of the second rod 78 in astate of that the first rod is not pulled.

Next, if the valve operation motor 761 pulls the valve lever 762 morethan the limit distance E of the first step mode, the valve lever 762,the brake lever 720 and the lever projection 767 are simultaneouslypulled. According to this, the step 81 of the first rod 77 is caught tothe rib 82 of the second rod 78, whereby the second spring is pressed asthe second rod moves.

According as the second spring is pressed, the drain valve 64 is openedso that the washing water stored in the outer tub 21 drains to theexternal through the drain passage. Then, when power of the valveoperation motor 761 is turned off, the valve lever 762, the leverprojection 767, the brake lever 720, the second rod 78 and the first rod77 are restored to original positions with restoring force of eachspring. Thus, the drain hose 66 of the drain passage is closed, wherebythe brake of the dehydrating shaft 100 is carried out.

Hereinafter, an operation of the aforementioned washing machineaccording to the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 8A to FIG. 10C.

The operation mode of the washing machine having the aforementionedstructure includes a first mode for rotating only the agitation device30, a second mode for rotating the agitation device 30 and the inner tub22 at the different directions, and a third mode for rotating theagitation device 30 and the inner tub 22 at the same direction.

Referring to FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C, in the first mode, the clutch assembly600 releases the connection of the dehydrating shaft 100 and the motor400, 500, whereby the rotation power of the motor 400, 500 istransmitted only to the washing shaft 200, thereby rotating only theagitation device 30.

In more detail, this process will be described with reference to FIG. 8Aand FIG. 8B. First, the elevating device 600 elevates the slidingcoupler 650 in the highest so that the sliding coupler 650 is in contactwith the stopper 660. Thus, the connection of the motor and the lowerdehydrating shaft 140 is released not to operate the valve operationmotor 761, whereby the drain hose 66 is closed, and the brake pad 780 isin contact with the drum 160 of the dehydrating shaft 100, therebycarrying out the brake of the dehydrating shaft 100.

Accordingly, the rotation power of motor is transmitted to the lowerwashing shaft 240 fixed to the base 534 of the rotor frame. Then, therotation power of lower washing shaft 240 is transmitted to the planetgear 220 through the sun gear 242, as shown in FIG. 8C, the planet gear220 revolves around the sun gear at the same direction as the rotationof sun gear 242, simultaneously, rotates at the opposite direction tothe rotation of sun gear 242.

According to the revolution of the planet gear 220, the carrier 230connected with the rotation axis of the planet gear 220 is rotated atthe same direction as the lower washing shaft 240, whereby the agitationdevice 30 connected with the upper washing shaft 210 is rotated at thesame direction as the lower washing shaft, thereby agitating the laundryand washing water.

Next, in the second mode with reference to FIG. 9A to FIG. 9C, theelevating device 600 elevates the sliding coupler 650 so that theconnection of the motor and the lower dehydrating shaft 140 is released.Thus, the valve operation motor 400, 500 is operated in the first mode,whereby the drain hose 66 is closed, and the brake pad 780 releases thebrake of the dehydrating shaft.

In the second mode, the sliding coupler 650 is elevated to the positionnot being in contact with the stopper 660 so that the brake of thedehydrating shaft 100 is released completely to prevent noise or scratchgenerated by friction of the sliding coupler 650 and the stopper 660according as the inner tub 22 and the agitation device 30 are rotated atthe opposite direction. For this, it is required to obtain an intervalof 1-10 mm, preferably, 3 mm, between the stopper 660 and the slidingcoupler 650 so that the stopper 660 is out of contact with the slidingcoupler 650.

That is, the rotation power of the motor 400, 500 is transmitted to thelower washing shaft 240 fixed to the base 534 of the rotor frame. Also,the rotation power of the lower washing shaft 240 is transmitted to theplanet gear 220 though the sun gear 242. As shown in FIG. 9C, the planetgear 220 simultaneously revolves and rotates to rotate the ring gear(not shown).

According to the revolution and rotation of the planet gear 220, thecarrier 230 connected with the rotation axis of the planet gear 220 isrotated at the same direction as the lower washing shaft 240, wherebythe agitation device 30 connected with the upper washing shaft 210 isrotated at the same direction as the lower washing shaft. Thus, theupper dehydrating shaft 120 is rotated at the opposite direction to theagitation device 30 according to rotation of the ring gear (not shown),thereby agitating the laundry and washing water.

In the third mode with reference to FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C, the clutchassembly connects the dehydrating shaft with the motor so as to transmitthe rotation power of the motor to the washing shaft 200 and thedehydrating shaft 100, whereby the agitation device 30 and the inner tub22 are rotated at the same direction.

In more detail, this process will be described with reference to FIG.10A and FIG. 10B. First, when the sliding coupler 650 is connected tothe rotor bushing shaft 534 b of the motor with serration according asthe elevating device 600 moves the sliding coupler 650 downward, thelower dehydrating shaft 140 is connected thereto by the motor and thesliding coupler. Then, the valve operation motor 400, 500 is operated inthe first step mode so that the drain passage is closed and the brakepad 780 releases the brake of the dehydrating shaft. Accordingly, therotation power of the motor is simultaneously transmitted to the lowerwashing shaft 240 fixed to the base 534 of the rotor frame, and thelower dehydrating shaft 140 connected with the sliding coupler 650.

As shown in FIG. 10C, the rotation power of the lower washing shaft 240is transmitted to the sun gear 242, and the rotation power of the lowerdehydrating shaft 140 is transmitted to the ring gear (not shown) beingrotated at the same number as the sun gear 242. Accordingly, the planetgear 220 is not rotated, and revolves once when the sun gear 242 rotatesonce.

According to the revolution of the planet gear 220 and the rotation ofthe ring gear, the carrier 230 connected with the rotation axis of theplanet gear 220 is rotated at the same direction as the lower washingshaft. Thus, the agitation device 30 connected with the upper washingshaft 210 is rotated at the same direction as the lower washing shaft240, and the rotation power of the lower dehydrating shaft 140 istransmitted to the upper dehydrating shaft 120, whereby the inner tub 22is rotated at the same direction and speed as those of the agitationdevice 30, thereby washing or rinsing the laundry.

At this time, when the rotor assembly 500 of the motor is rotated at thehigh speed, the washing water rises along the inner wall of the outertub 21 by centrifugal force, and drops to the inside of the inner tub22, thereby generating “V”-shaped water current. Also, the washing waterpermeates the laundry from the inner tub side to the outer tub side,thereby washing the laundry.

In case the rotor assembly 500 of the motor is rotated at the low speed,the washing water is maintained near to the inner wall of the outer tub21 by centrifugal force without “V”-shaped water current of the washingwater between the inner tub 22 and the outer tub 21, thereby washing thelaundry.

In the aforementioned second mode, if the valve operation motor isoperated in the second step mode, the packing 76 forming the drain valve64 opens the drain hose 66, whereby the dehydrating mode is carried out.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As mentioned above, the washing machine according to the presentinvention has the following advantages.

In the washing machine according to the present invention, the power ofmotor for rotating the inner tub and the agitation device is directlytransmitted to the power transmission device. Accordingly, it ispossible to minimize the power loss when transmitting the powergenerated in the motor to the washing shaft, thereby improving energyefficiency.

Also, the driving motor, agitation means and inner tub are rotated atthe same rotation axis so that the inner and outer tubs are not leaned.Thus, it is possible to prevent the lean of laundry during rotation ofthe inner tub, whereby it prevents noise or vibration. Thus, life spanof the washing machine is increased due to decrease of troubles.

In the washing machine according to the present invention, the outerrotor type induction motor is directly connected with the powertransmission device for rotating the agitation device and the inner tub,whereby it is possible to lower a height of the washing machine forimproving a user's convenience.

Furthermore, the planet gear for organically connecting the washingshaft with the dehydrating shaft is provided in the power transmissiondevice, so that it is possible to improve efficiency in washing andrinsing strokes by rotating the agitation device and the inner tub invarious methods.

In the washing machine according to the present invention, the clutchassembly having the simplified structure is provided to control thepower between the power transmission device and the induction motor,thereby improving product's reliability without malfunction.

Also, in the washing machine according to the present invention, onedriving motor is used to simultaneously control the drain valve and thebrake assembly for controlling the rotation of the dehydrating shaft,thereby decreasing manufacturing cost by decreasing the number ofcomponents, and improving yield with simplified manufacturing processsteps.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it isintended that the present invention cover the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

1. A washing machine comprising: an outer tub provided in a cabinet andstoring washing; water therein; an inner tub rotatably provided in theouter tub and receiving laundry therein; an agitation device rotatablyprovided in the inner tub and agitating the laundry and washing water;an outer rotor type motor for rotating the agitation device and theinner tub; a power transmission device connected between themotor/agitation device and the inner tub, and transmitting power of themotor to the agitation device and the inner tub according to anoperation mode; and a drain device for draining the washing water fromthe outer tub to the external.
 2. The washing machine as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the motor is an induction motor.
 3. The washing machineas claimed in claim 2, wherein the induction motor includes: a rotorassembly being directly connected with and rotated by the powertransmission device; and a stator assembly provided inside the rotorassembly and generating a rotary magnetic field by an alternatingcurrent so as to rotate the rotate the rotor assembly with the rotarymagnetic field.
 4. The washing machine as claimed in claim 3, whereinthe rotor assembly includes: a rotor frame being directly connected withthe power transmission device at a lower central part thereof; and arotor fixed to the inside of the rotor frame.
 5. The washing machine asclaimed in claimed 4, wherein the rotor includes: a rotor core formed bydepositing a plurality of iron sheets each having a plurality of holes;a metal bar penetrating the hole of the rotor core and interlinking amagnetic flux; and upper and lower end rings covering upper and lowerparts of the rotor core by being respectively connected with both endsof the metal bar.
 6. The washing machine as claimed in claim 4, whereinthe rotor frame includes: a rotor bushing provided at the rotation axisof the induction motor and connected with the power transmission deviceso as to rotate the agitation device; and a brushing shaft selectivelyconnected with the power transmission device so as to selectively rotatethe inner tub.
 7. The washing machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein therotor frame includes a rotor supporter provided therein so as to supporta lower end of the rotor.
 8. The washing machine as claimed in claim 7,wherein the rotor supporter includes a step formed along the innercircumferential surface thereof so as to support the lower end of therotor.
 9. The washing machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein the rotorframe includes an upper fixation part projecting from the sidewallthereof so as to fix an upper end of the rotor for preventing the rotorfrom being separated.
 10. The washing machine as claimed in claim 3,wherein the stator assembly includes: a core part having a plurality ofiron sheets and poles being formed in one body on the outercircumferential surface of the iron sheets; a coil part wound on thepoles; and an insulator provided to prevent a contact between the corepart and the coil part.
 11. The washing machine as claimed in claim 10,wherein the insulator includes: upper and lower insulators provided atupper and lower parts of the core part to prevent the contact betweenthe pole and coil; and an inner insulator provided between the poles, soas to prevent the contact between the core part and the coil part. 12.The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the powertransmission device includes: a washing shaft transmitting rotationpower to the agitation device; a dehydrating shaft transmitting rotationpower to the inner tub; and a clutch assembly selectively connecting thedehydrating shaft with the motor.
 13. The washing machine as claimed inclaim 12, wherein the washing shaft includes: an upper washing shaftconnected with the agitation device; and a lower washing shaft having alower end connected with the motor, and an upper part connected with theupper washing shaft by a gear set.
 14. The washing machine as claimed inclaim 13, wherein the washing shaft is rotatably provided inside thedehydrating shaft.
 15. The washing machine as claimed in claim 14,wherein the gear set includes: a sun gear fixed to the upper part of thelower washing shaft and being coaxial-rotated; a ring gear formed on theinner circumferential surface of the dehydrating shaft; and a planetgear provided between the ring gear and the sun gear and having arotation axis connected eccentrically to the upper washing shaft. 16.The washing machine as claimed in claim 15, wherein the dehydratingshaft includes a drum having an upper end connected with the inner tub,a lower end provided at a predetermined interval from the motor, and apredetermined portion of a central part at which the ring gear as theplanet gear is provided.
 17. The washing machine as claimed in claim 12,wherein the clutch assembly includes: a sliding coupler moving up anddown along a longitudinal direction of the dehydrating shaft so as toselectively connect the dehydrating shaft with the motor; and anelevating device moving the sliding coupler up and down.
 18. The washingmachine as claimed in claim 17, wherein the sliding coupler is connectedto the dehydrating shaft, and the motor with serration.
 19. The washingmachine as claimed in claim 17, wherein the elevating device includes: aclutch lever having one end connected with the sliding coupler, and onecentral portion hinged on an hinge axis; and a clutch motor moving thesliding coupler up and down in a method of rotating the clutch lever onthe hinge axis by pulling or pushing the other end of the clutch lever.20. The washing machine as claimed in claim 19, wherein the elevatingdevice includes a connection link having elasticity between the otherend of the clutch lever and the clutch motor.
 21. The washing machine asclaimed in claim 17, wherein the clutch assembly includes a stopper forcontrolling an elevating height of the sliding coupler.
 22. The washingmachine as claimed in claim 21, wherein a hollow is provided at any oneof the stopper and the sliding coupler, and a projection is provided atthe other so as to prevent rotation of the sliding coupler when theconnection of the sliding coupler and motor is released.
 23. The washingmachine as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a brake assembly forbrake of rotation of the dehydrating shaft.
 24. The washing machine asclaimed in claim 23, wherein the brake assembly includes a brake pad forfixing the dehydrating shaft by applying friction to the outercircumferential surface of the dehydrating shaft.
 25. The washingmachine as claimed in claim 23, wherein the brake assembly includes: abrake pad provided on the outer circumferential surface of thedehydrating shaft; a brake lever having one end connected with the brakepad, and a predetermined portion of a central part thereof hinged on thehinge axis; and a driving motor braking the dehydrating shaft orreleasing the brake of dehydrating shaft by pulling or pushing the otherend of the brake lever.
 26. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1,wherein the drain device includes: a drain passage being incommunication with the external of a cabinet from the outer tub; a drainvalve opening or closing the drain passage by pulling or pushing thedrain valve.
 27. The washing machine as claimed in claim 26, furthercomprising a brake assembly for controlling the rotation of the innertub.
 28. The washing machine as claimed in claim 27, wherein theoperation motor operates the brake assembly and the drain valve at thesame time.
 29. The washing machine as claimed in claim 28, wherein theoperation motor includes: a first step mode for controlling the rotationof the inner tub; and a second step mode for opening or closing thedrain valve in a state of releasing the brake of inner tub.
 30. Thewashing machine as claimed in claim 29, wherein the drain valveincludes: a packing provided to close the drain passage; a first rodbeing moved at predetermined distance not to move the second rod whenthe driving motor is operated in the first step mode, and connected withthe first rod so as to open the drain passage by the packing in a methodof being caught to the second rod and moved with the second rod when thedriving motor is operated in the second step mode.
 31. The washingmachine as claimed in claim 30, wherein the first rod is inserted towardthe axis direction inside the second by sliding.
 32. The washing machineas claimed in claim 1, wherein the operation mode includes a first modefor rotating only the agitation device.
 33. The washing machine asclaimed in claim 12, wherein the operation mode includes a first modefor rotating only the agitation device by separating the dehydratingshaft from the motor by the clutch assembly, and transmitting therotation power of the motor to the washing shaft.
 34. The washingmachine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operation mode includes asecond mode for rotating the agitation device and the inner tub at thedifferent directions.
 35. The washing machine as claimed in claim 15,wherein the operation mode includes a second mode for rotating theagitation device and the inner tub at the different directions byseparating the dehydrating shaft from the motor by the clutch assembly,simultaneously, transmitting the rotation power of the washing shaft tothe dehydrating shaft through the planet gear mechanically connectingthe washing and dehydrating shafts.
 36. The washing machine as claimedin claim 21, wherein the operation mode includes a second mode forrotating the agitation device and the inner tub at the differentdirections by separating the dehydrating shaft from the motor by theclutch assembly, simultaneously, transmitting the rotation power of thewashing shaft to the dehydrating shaft through the planet gearmechanically connecting the washing and dehydrating shafts according asthe sliding coupler is provided at a predetermined interval from thestopper.
 37. The washing machine as claimed in claim 36, wherein thestopper is apart from the sliding coupler at 1-10 mm so that the stopperis out of contact with the sliding coupler.
 38. The washing machine asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the operation mode includes a third mode forrotating the agitation device and the inner tub at the same direction.39. The washing machine as claimed in claim 12, wherein the operationmode includes a third mode for rotating the agitation device and theinner tub at the same direction so as to transmit rotation power of themotor to the washing and dehydrating shafts by connecting thedehydrating shaft to the motor with the clutch assembly.
 40. The washingmachine as claimed in claim 39, wherein the inner tub and the washingshaft are rotated at a high speed so that washing water rises along theinner wall of the outer tub by centrifugal force, and drops to theinside of the inner tub.
 41. The washing machine as claimed in claim 39,wherein the inner tub and the washing shaft are rotated at a low speedso that washing water is maintained near to the inner wall of the outertub.
 42. The washing machine as claimed in claim 39, wherein the draindevice drains the washing water from the outer tub to the externalduring rotating the inner tub and the washing shaft.
 43. The washingmachine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor is rotated at normaland reverse directions.
 44. The washing machine as claimed in claim 15,wherein the clutch assembly includes: a sliding coupler moving up anddown along a longitudinal direction of the dehydrating shaft so as toselectively connect the dehydrating shaft with the motor; and anelevating device moving the sliding coupler up and down.